Cover adaptable to moveable vehicle seats

ABSTRACT

A seat cover for a vehicle may include a lower or bench portion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented top of a bench of a vehicle seat. The lower portion may include a first section and a second section separated by a slit. The seat cover for the vehicle may also include an upper or backrest portion coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion may be sized and configured to extend upwardly over a backrest of the vehicle seat. The seat cover may be divided into vertical sections that correspond to the seats of a bench seat in a vehicle. One or more of the vertical sections may be removable to accommodate movement of the vehicle seats.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to covers for upholstery and carpeted areas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicles seats and cargo spaces are increasingly more modular.Especially second and third row seats in larger vehicles. The seats canbe rearranged to accommodate different numbers of passengers and typesof cargo. Second and third row seats are often arranged in rows and thevarious seats within the rows can be removed, folded downward, or foldedupward to accommodate different purposes. Rearranging the seats alsoeffects the shape of the cargo area and the size and shapes of itemsthan can be accommodated.

A vehicle seat may include a backrest, which may include one or moreupper sections, and a bench, which may include one or more lowersections. The vehicle seat may be designed to move between variousconfigurations in order to, for example, allow items of various sizes tobe transported in the vehicle. In some instances, one or more of thelower sections may be folded up and one or more other upper sections maybe folded down. In some instances, one or more lower sections may befolded up while one or more other lower sections are folded down.Additionally, a seat that is part of a bench seat consisting of multipleseats, typically three, may detach from the other seats and slid forwardor backwards or folded in on itself.

A cover for a vehicle seat and/or a cargo bed may be limited to aparticular type of car, with particular dimensions and features, or aparticular seat configuration. In some cases, the cover may not permitmovement of the vehicle seat between the various configurations or maycover various features, such as seatbelts. In order to perform aparticular function in the vehicle, the cover may need to be removed.Further, vehicle seats may be exposed to various events that may damagethe vehicle seats due to, for example, pets, children, spills, objects,etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cover for an interior of a vehicle.In particular, the present invention relates to a cover adaptable tomultiple vehicle seat configurations. In some embodiments, the cover forthe vehicle may include a seat cover. In some embodiments, the cover maybe configured to cover a cargo area in the rear of a vehicle. In someembodiments, the cover is comprised of a single monolithic piece. Insome embodiments, the cover may include a lower portion, which may besized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented top of abench of a vehicle seat.

In some embodiments, the cover may include a first lateral edge, asecond lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge, an upper edgeextending from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge, alower edge opposite the upper edge extending from the first lateral edgeto the second lateral edge. In some embodiments, the cover may include afirst slit extending a first length from the upper edge toward the loweredge, the first slit a first distance from the first lateral edge, afirst section between the first lateral edge and the first slit. In someembodiments, the cover may include a second slit extending a secondlength from the upper edge toward the lower edge, a second sectionbetween the first slit and the second slit, a third section between thesecond slit and the second lateral edge.

In some embodiments, the length of the first slit may be equal to adistance between the upper edge and the lower edge. In some embodiments,the first slit may be connected by a first fastener, the first fastenerextending a full length or a partial length of the first slit. In someembodiments, the first section may be detachable from the secondsection. In some embodiments, the first fastener may be one or morezippers, the zipper operable in multiple directions (e.g., up or down),the zipper fully or partially disconnecting the first section from thesecond section when the zipper is in an open position.

In some embodiments, the length of the second slit may be less than adistance between the upper edge and the lower edge. In some embodiments,the second slit may be connected by a second fastener, the secondfastener extending a full length or a partial length of the second slit.In some embodiments, the second fastener may be one or more zippers, thezipper operable in multiple directions (e.g., up or down), the zipperpartially disconnecting the second section from the third section whenthe zipper is in an open position.

In some embodiments, the cover may include one or more apertures throughthe upholstery cover. In some embodiments, the aperture may furthercomprise a removable cover for the aperture. In some embodiments, theaperture may be adjacent to the first slit. In some embodiments, theaperture may be adjacent to the second slit or to a terminus of thesecond slit.

In some embodiments, the cover may include a first slit and a secondslit that may transition from a first orientation to a secondorientation. The transition between the first orientation and the secondorientation may be curved or angled. The degree of curvature may bebetween 0 and 360 degrees (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or 180 degree).The first or second slit may curve sufficiently that a lower or upperportion of the slit may be adjacent to an upper edge of the aperture.

In some embodiments, the first slit may curve away from the lower edgetowards the first lateral edge or towards the second lateral edge, thefirst slit may transition from a first orientation to a secondorientation. The degree of curvature may be between 0 and 360 degrees(e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or 180 degree). In some embodiments, thefirst slit may transition from a first orientation to a secondorientation at a midpoint between the upper edge and the lower edge. Insome embodiments, the first slit may transition from a first orientationto a second orientation above a midpoint between the upper edge and thelower edge. In some embodiments, the first slit may transition from afirst orientation to a second orientation below a midpoint between theupper edge and the lower edge. In some embodiments, the first slit maybe connected by a first fastener, the first fastener extending a fulllength or a partial length of the first slit. In some embodiments, thefastener may be a single or bi-directional zipper.

In some embodiments, the second slit may curve away from the lower edgetowards the first lateral edge or towards the second lateral edge, thesecond slit may transition from a first orientation to a secondorientation. The degree of curvature may be between 0 and 360 degrees(e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or 180 degree). In some embodiments, thesecond slit may transition from a first orientation to a secondorientation at a midpoint between the upper edge and the lower edge. Insome embodiments, the second slit may transition from a firstorientation to a second orientation above a midpoint between the upperedge and the lower edge. In some embodiments, the second slit maytransition from a first orientation to a second orientation below amidpoint between the upper edge and the lower edge. In some embodiments,the second slit may be connected by a second fastener, the secondfastener extending a full length or a partial length of the second slit.In some embodiments, the second fastener may be a single orbi-directional zipper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other featuresand advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood,a more particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tolimit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an example cover, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the example cover of FIG. 1 , illustrating afirst section of an upper portion of the cover uncoupled from a secondsection and a third section of the upper portion via the first couplingmechanisms, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 ,illustrating the cover extending over a bench and backrest of a vehicleseat in one configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 ,illustrating the cover extending over the bench and the backrest of thevehicle seat in another configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 ,illustrating the cover extending over the bench and the backrest of thevehicle seat in another configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 ,illustrating the cover extending over the bench and the backrest of thevehicle seat in another configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7A is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 7B is a top view of the example cover of FIG. 7A, in anotherconfiguration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIGS. 7A and 7B,illustrating the cover extending over the bench and the backrest of thevehicle seat in one configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIGS. 7A and 7B,illustrating the cover extending over the bench and the backrest of thevehicle seat in another configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the cover of FIGS. 7A and 7B, illustrating thecover folded over on itself from the opening at the slits and theseatbelt aperture, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 12A is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 12B is a top view of the cover of FIG. 12A, illustrating theseatbelt buckles passing through the slits in the cover, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 12C is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 12A,illustrating the cover extending over the bench and the backrest of thevehicle seat in one configuration, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 14 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 12A,illustrating the cover extending over the bench and the backrest of thevehicle seat in another configuration, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will bebest understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like referencenumbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will bereadily understood that the components of the present invention, asgenerally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the following more detailed description, as represented in thefigures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed,but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of theinvention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the upholstery cover 100for the vehicle may include a seat cover. In some embodiments, theupholstery cover 100 may include a lower portion 125, which also may bedescribed as a bench portion or horizontal portion. In some embodiments,the upholstery cover 100 may also include an upper portion 120 coupledto the lower portion 125, wherein the upper portion 120 may also bedescribed as a backrest portion or vertical portion. In someembodiments, the upholstery cover 100 may have a folded front portion130 coupled to the lower portion 125 at the lower edge 185, wherein thefolded front portion 130 may also be described as a guard portion or afront edge portion. In some embodiments, folded front portion 130 maycomprise a pocket configured to engage or receive a front edge of abench of a vehicle seat. In some embodiments, the upper portion 120, thelower portion 125, and the folded front portion may comprise threeseparate piece or two separate pieces that are joined together at aseam. In some embodiments, they may comprise one single, seamless piece.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 120 may include one or moresections. For example, the upper portion 120 may include one or more ofthe following: a first section 115, a second section 110, and a thirdsection 105. In some embodiments, one or more of the following mayextend from an upper edge 160 of the upper portion 120 to the transitionbetween the upper portion and lower portion 175 or to the lower edge 185of the lower portion 125 or to the bottom edge of the folded front 165of the folded front portion 130 or to a position proximate to thetransition between the upper portion and the lower portion 175 or to aposition proximate to the lower edge 130 of the lower portion 125 or toa position proximate to the bottom edge of the folded front 165 of thefolded front portion 130: the first section 115, the second section 110,and the third section 105. In some embodiments, the sections of theupper portion 120, the lower portion 125, and the folded front portion130 may be separated by one or more slits. For example, the first andsecond sections 115, 110 may be separated by a first slit 135 and/or thesecond and third sections 110, 105 may be separated by a second slit140.

In some embodiments, the slits 135, 140 of the upper portion 120, thelower portion 125 and/or the folded front portion 130 may be at leastpartially closed via one or more coupling mechanisms 170. In someembodiments, the upholstery cover 100 may include a first couplingmechanism 170, which may be configured to directly couple the firstsection 115 and the second section 110. In some embodiments, the firstcoupling mechanism 170 may be configured to at least partially close thefirst slit 135, which may extend from the upper edge 160 of the lowerportion 125 and/or the folded front portion 130. In some embodiments,the upholstery cover 100 may include a second coupling mechanism 170,which may be configured to directly couple the second section 110 andthe third section 105. In some embodiments, the second couplingmechanism 170 may be configured to at least partially close the secondslit 140, which may extend from the upper edge 22 to the lower portion12, or to a position proximate to the lower portion 12.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 120 may include one or morefasteners 145 configured to secure the upholstery cover 100 to thevehicle seat. In some embodiments, one or more of the following mayinclude at least one fastener 145: an upper portion of the first section115, an upper portion of the second section 110, and an upper portion ofthe third section 105. In some embodiments, the fasteners 145 may beconfigured to secure the upholstery cover 100 to one or more headrestsof the vehicle. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the firstsection 115 and the upper portion of the third section 105 may include afastener 145. Each of the fasteners 145 may include any suitable meansof securing the upholstery cover 100 to the seat. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 1 , each of the fasteners 145 may include a belt,which may be configured to form a loop around the headrest. In someembodiments, the loop may include a clasp.

According to some embodiments, the first section 115 may be fullydetachable from the second section 110. The coupling mechanism 170 mayextend the full length or a partial length of the first slit 135. Thefirst slit 135 may be partially opened or fully opened. The couplingmechanism 170 may be a zipper and the zipper may function in onedirection or may be bidirectional. According to one embodiment, thefirst slit 135 may be opened to a location proximate to the transitionbetween the upper portion and the lower portion 175 to access a seatbeltbuckle located on a bench portion of a vehicle seat. The first section115 may be fully detached from the second section 110 permitting benchvehicle seats to be independently configured. For example, the firstsection 115 of the upholstery cover 100, when fully detached from thesecond section 110 and third section 105, may remain in place on thevehicle seat when the side vehicle seat slides behind or in front of themiddle seat and the side seat of the bench seats. Alternatively, thefirst section 115 of the upholstery cover 100, when partially or fullyseparated from the second section 110 and the third section 105, mayremain in place on the vehicle seat when the backrest of the passengerside or driver side seat folds downward onto the bench portion.Alternatively, the first section 115 of the upholstery cover 100, whenpartially or fully separated from the second section 110 and the thirdsection 105, may remain in place on the vehicle seat when the benchportion of the passenger side or driver side seat folds upwards towardsthe backrest portion of the seat.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 120 of the second section 110 maybe detached from the first section 115 and the third section 105.Additionally, the upper portion 120 of the second section 110 may bedetached from the upper portion 120 of the third section 105 at thesecond slit 140. The upholstery cover 100 may remain attached to abackrest portion of a center seat in the bench seats when the backrestportion of the seat is folded downward and the upper portion 120 of thesecond section 110 is detached from the first section 115 and the thirdsection 105. In response to the first section 115 being uncoupled fromthe second section 110 via the first coupling mechanism 170 and thethird section 105 being uncoupled from the second section 110 via thesecond coupling mechanism 170, the upper portion 120 of the secondsection 110 may be folded downward over the lower portion 125. The firstand second coupling mechanisms 170 may include any suitable couplingmechanism, such as for example, buttons, snaps, magnets, clasps,eyelets, hooks, one-directional or bi-directional zippers, hook and loopfastener, such as VELCRO™, etc.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 120 of the third section 105 isdetachable from the upper portion 120 of the second section 110 at thesecond slit 140. The coupling mechanism 170 for the second slit 140 mayextend a partial or a full length of the slit and may be partiallyopened or fully opened. The third section 105 may be detached from thesecond section 110 at the second slit 140, the upholstery cover 100 mayremain attached to the seat when the backrest portion of the side benchseat is folded downward onto the bench portion. In some embodiments, theseatbelt and seatbelt buckle of the bench seat may be accessed throughthe upholstery cover 100 when the second slit 140 is fully or partiallyopened.

In some embodiments, the upholstery cover 100 may be constructed of afabric material, such as, for example, one or more of the following:spandex knit, lycra knit, jersey knit, interlock knit, ribbed knit,terry knit, sweater knit, modal knit, hemp knit, bamboo knit, silk knit,cotton knit, ponte de roma, thermal knit, stretch lace, synthetic knit,organic knit, polyvinyl chloride, cotton, nylon, polyester, etc. In someembodiments, the fabric material may be stretchable. In someembodiments, the fabric material may be weather-proof and/ormachine-washable.

In some embodiments, the upholstery cover 100 may include a folded frontportion 130, which may be coupled to a lower edge 185 of the lowerportion 125. In some embodiments, the folded front portion 130 may beselectively coupled to the lower edge 185. In some embodiments, when theupholstery cover 100 is used as a seat cover, the folded front portion130 may be configured to extend vertically and/or generallyperpendicularly from the lower portion 125. In some embodiments, thefolded front portion 130 may include one or more fasteners, which may beconfigured to secure the upholstery cover 100 to the seat of thevehicle. Each of the fasteners may include any suitable means ofsecuring the upholstery cover 100 to the seat.

In some embodiments, the upholstery cover 100 may be configured to hangfrom one or more headrests disposed on the bench seats of the vehicle.The upholstery cover may drape from fasteners 145 attached to thebackrest portion of the seats, down to the bench portion of the seat.The lower portion 125 of the upholstery cover 100 may lie flat on thebench portion of the seat. Optionally, the upholstery cover 100 mayinclude a folded front portion 130 that extends over the front edge ofthe bench seat and in some embodiments wraps under the bench portion ofthe vehicle seat.

In some embodiments, the first slit 135 and the second slit 140 may havea coupling mechanism 170 that extends along at least a portion of theslits 135, 140. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanisms may eachinclude any suitable coupling mechanism, such as for example,one-directional or bi-directional zippers, buttons, snaps, magnets,clasps, eyelets, hooks, a hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO™, etc.

In some embodiments, the vehicle seat may include a backrest, which mayinclude one or more upper sections, and a bench, which may include oneor more lower sections. The vehicle seat may be designed to move betweenvarious configurations in order to, for example, allow items of varioussizes to be transported in the vehicle. In some embodiments, one or moreupper sections of the backrest may be folded up and/or one or more otherupper sections of the backrest may be folded down. In these and otherembodiments, one or more lower sections of the bench may be folded upand/or one or more other lower sections of the bench may be folded down.In some embodiments, the first slit 135 and the second slit 140 mayfacilitate folding down one or more of the backrest sections of thevehicle seat or folding up of one or more bench sections of the vehicleseat.

In some embodiments, one or more of the vehicle seats of the bench seatmay be maneuverable independently of the other seats. The seat may bemaneuvered forward or backward independently of the other seats. Theseat may be foldable independently of the other seats.

In some embodiments, the upholstery cover 100 may include a first layerof a fabric material and a second layer of a fabric material, which maybe sewn together. In some embodiments, padding may be disposed betweenat least a portion of the first and second layers of the fabricmaterial. In some embodiments, the folded front portion 130 may or maynot include the padding. In some embodiments, the folded front portion130 may include a single layer of the fabric material.

In some embodiments, the upholstery cover 100 may include another layeror backing layer, which may be disposed on at least a portion of anunderside of the upholstery cover 100. For example, the backing layermay be disposed on an underside of the lower portion 125 and/or theupper portion 120. In some embodiments, the upholstery cover 100 may beused as a cargo bed cover, an example of which is described in U.S. Pat.No. 9,610,877, filed Jul. 20, 2016, entitled “Cover Adaptable toMultiple Vehicle Seat Configurations,” which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety. In some embodiments, when the upholsterycover 100 is used as a cargo bed cover, for example, the backing layermay be disposed on an underside of the lower and upper portions.

In some embodiments, when the upholstery cover 100 is used as a seatcover, the backing layer may be disposed on the underside of the lowerportion 125. In some embodiments, the backing layer may be configured toprevent slippage and/or increase friction between the upholster cover100 and the seat and/or the cargo bed. In some embodiments, the backinglayer may include a netting. In some embodiments, the backing layer maybe constructed of rubber, plastic, or another suitable material thatallows the upholstery cover 100 to be flexible and/or foldable. In someembodiments, the upholstery cover 100 may include a water-proof coating.In some embodiments, one or more anchors may be coupled to the undersideof the upholster cover 100. In some embodiments, the anchors may beconfigured to be tucked into a crease in the seat between the backrestand the bench of the seat. In some embodiments, the anchors may beloop-shaped.

In some embodiments, the upholstery cover 100 may have additional slitsfor accommodating additional seat configurations. In some embodiments,the upholstery cover 100 may be used for vehicle seats that fold upwardin different configurations, an example of which is described in U.S.Pat. No. 9,963,086, issued May 8, 2018, entitled “Cover Adaptable toMultiple Vehicle Seat Configurations,” which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the first section 115 may be fully detached at thefirst slit 135 from the second section 110. The upholster cover 100 mayfunction as one whole piece or as two independent pieces. The firstindependent piece being the first section 115 and the second independentpiece being the second and third sections 110, 105. A bench seat of avehicle typically accommodates three passengers, a seat on the driver'sside, a seat in the middle and a seat on the passenger's side. The seatson the driver's side and the passenger's side of the bench seat may beconfigured to be moved completely independently from the other twoseats. The independent seat may be slid forward or backward or folded onitself independent of the other two seats. The two independent pieces ofthe upholstery cover 100 shown in FIG. 2 may accommodate the independentmovement of one or more seats while covering all three seats of thebench seat. Thus, accommodating the truly modular nature of current carseat configurations.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the upholstery cover 100. The upholsterycover 100 may be disposed on a vehicle bench seat. Typically, the benchseat is in the second or third row of seats in a vehicle. The upperportion 120 may be arranged on the vertically oriented or backrestportion of the seat. The lower portion 125 may be arranged on thehorizontally oriented or bench portion of the seat. The folded frontportion 130 may cover the front edge of the bench portion of the seat.The fasteners 145 may loop around the headrests 305 of the seats.

According to one embodiment, the first slit 135 may extend the fulllength of the upholstery cover 100. The second slit 140 may extend thefull length of the backrest portion of the seat and partially into thebench portion of the seat. The bench corner 155 of the upholstery cover100 may correspond with the upper corner edge of the vehicle seat. Thebottom corner 150 of the upholstery cover 100 may correspond with thelower corner edge of the vehicle seat.

According to one embodiment, the first section 115 may cover the seat onthe passenger's side, the second section 110 may cover the middle seat,and the third section 105 may cover the seat on the driver's side. Theseatbelts may be brought over the top of the upholstery cover 100, inone embodiment, so that passengers can be buckled in place while theupholstery cover 100 is on the seat.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the passenger side seatmay be positioned on a plane behind the middle and driver's side seat.The first section 115 of the upholstery cover 100 may be detached at thefirst slit 135 from the second and third sections 110, 115. The detachedfirst section 115 remains attached to the passenger side seat while thepassenger side seat is moved away from the other two bench seats. Thefirst section 115 may be uncoupled from the second section 110 and thirdsection 105 via a coupling mechanism 170, which may include any suitablecoupling mechanism, such as for example, buttons, snaps, magnets,clasps, eyelets, hooks, one-directional or bi-directional zippers, etc.In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 170 may include a hook andloop fastener, such as VELCRO™.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the backrest portion 505of the middle seat may be folded down onto the bench portion of theseat. According to this embodiment, the upholstery cover 100 isuncoupled at the first slit 135 and the second slit 140. The first slit135 is partially uncoupled, the upper portion 120 of the first section115 and the second section 110 are uncoupled but the lower portion 125of the first section 115 and the second section 110 remain coupledtogether. The upper portion 120 of the first section 115 and the thirdsection 105 may be disposed vertically on the backrest portion of theseat when the upper portion 120 of the second section 110 is horizontal.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the backrest portion 605of the driver's side seat is folded down onto the bench portion of theseat. According to this embodiment, the upholstery cover 100 isuncoupled at the second slit 140. For example, the upholstery cover 100is positioned on the seat, then, a user uncouples the third section 105from the second section 110 at slit 140 and then folds the backrestportion of the seat down onto the bench portion of the seat. The upperportion 120 of the first section 115 and the second section 110 may bedisposed vertically on the backrest portion of the seat when the upperportion 120 of the third section 105 is horizontal. The upholstery cover100 does not have to be removed to adjust the position of the seats.

FIG. 7A depicts another embodiment of the upholstery cover 700. Thefirst slit 735 and second slit 740 may terminate near the transition 765between the upper portion and the lower portion. Proximate to theterminus of the first slit 755 and the terminus of the second slit 760are apertures 750. The apertures may provide access through theupholstery cover 700. In the embodiment shown, the apertures 750 arelocated in the lower portion 710 of the upholstery cover 700. The firstslit 735 and second slit 740 are in the upper portion 705 and terminatejust before the lower section 710. According to another embodiment, thefirst slit 735 and second slit 740 may extend into the lower portion710.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, in some embodiments, the upholstery cover 700may include flaps 795 covering the opening 790 of the apertures 750. Theflaps 795 may cover the aperture 750 when the seatbelts are not in use.When a user uses the seatbelt with the upholstery cover 700 on the seat,the user may open the flap 795 and pull the seatbelt buckle through theopening 790 in the aperture 750. The flap 795 may prevent dirt frompassing through the upholstery cover 700 when the seatbelts are not inuse. The flaps 795 may be secured to the upholstery cover 700 or leftloose over the opening 790.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the upholstery cover 800. A firstslit 805 may extend from the upper edge 785 to a bottom edge of thefolded front 780. The first slit 805 may have a first couplingmechanism. The second slit 740 may have a second coupling mechanism. Thecoupling mechanisms may extend the full length or a partial length ofthe first slit 805 and/or second slit 740. The coupling mechanisms mayinclude any suitable coupling mechanism, such as for example, buttons,snaps, magnets, clasps, eyelets, hooks, one-directional orbi-directional zippers, etc. In some embodiments, the couplingmechanisms 88 may include a hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO™.

The first slit may divide the first section 720 from the second section725. The second slit 740, according to one embodiment, may terminate 760at the transition 765 between the upper portion 705 and the lowerportion 710. An aperture 750 may be proximate to the terminus 760 of thesecond slit 740. In this embodiment, the upholstery cover 800 may stayon the seat when the passenger side seat moves forward or backward orfolds up or down. The upholstery cover 800 may stay on the seat when thebackrest portion of the middle seat or the driver's side seat is foldeddown onto the bench portion of the seat. The seatbelt buckle may passthrough the aperture 750 to allow a passenger to use the seatbelts. Inanother embodiment, the driver's side seat may separate from the middleseat and the passenger side seat, the cover 800 may be configured sothat the driver's side seat may slide forward or backward or may fold upor down with the cover 800 still attached.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the seatbelt buckles 905may pass through the openings 790 of the apertures 750 of the upholsterycover 700. The flaps 795 may be folded out to accommodate the seatbeltbuckles 905 passing through the openings 790. The first slit 735 and thesecond slit 740 terminate near the transition 765 between the upperportion 705 and the lower portion 710.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of the upholstery cover 700 with thebackrest portion of the middle seat folded downward onto the benchportion of the seat. The first slit 735 and the second slit 740 may beopened allowing the upper portion 705 of the second section 725 to folddown onto the lower portion 710. The seatbelt buckles 905 may protrudethrough the openings 790 in the apertures 750.

FIG. 11 depicts another embodiment of the upholstery cover 700. In thisembodiment, the first slit 735 and the second slit 740 are open. Afolded panel 1110 of the first section 720 may be folded back over thefirst section 720. A folded panel 1105 of the third section 730 isfolded back over the third section 730. The folded panels 1105, 1110 maybe open on the upper edge 785 and at the apertures 750. The apertures750 may provide an opening for the folded panels 1105, 1110 to foldbackward to form a square opening instead of a v-shaped opening. Thefolded panels 1105, 1110 may open to accommodate seatbelts in thevehicle seats. The first slit 735 and the second slit 740 may havecoupling mechanisms that extend along at least a portion of the slits735, 740.

Referring now to FIG. 12A, in some embodiments, the first slit 1240 andthe second slit 1255 may transition from a first orientation to a secondorientation (e.g., vertical, horizontal, angled, slanted). In thisembodiment, the curved transition 1245 in the first slit 1240 and thecurved transition 1260 in the second slit 1255 may be near thetransition 1270 between the upper portion 1205 and the lower portion1210 of the upholstery cover 1200. The first orientation may bevertical, near vertical, curved, horizontal, near horizontal or anyother orientation. The top of the first slit 1240 and/or the second slit1255 may intersect the upper edge 1285 of the cover 1200 at a 90-degreeangle or any other suitable angle (e.g., 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees).

The second orientation may be vertical, near vertical, curved,horizontal, near horizontal or any other orientation. The first slit1240 or the second slit 1255 may curve outward toward the sides of thecover 1200 or the first slit 1240 and the second slit 1255 may curveinward toward the center of the cover 1200. The first slit 1240 and thesecond slit 1255 may curve in the same direction or opposite directions.

Coupling mechanisms in the first slit 1240 and the second slit 1255 mayextend the full length or a partial length of the first slit 1240 orsecond slit 1255. The terminus 1250 of the first slit 1240 and theterminus 1265 of the second slit 1265 may be located in the upperportion 1205, the lower portion 1210 or the folded front portion 1215 ofthe upholstery cover 1200. The degree of curvature of the curvedtransitions 1245, 1260 may range from 0 degrees to 360 degrees (e.g., 45degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees) or may be angled. The first slit 1240may have the same or a different degree of curvature than the secondslit.

FIG. 12B shows another embodiment of the upholstery cover 1200 of FIG.12A. The first slit 1240 may have an opening near the terminus 1250 ofthe first slit 1240. The second slit 1255 may have an opening near theterminus 1265 of the second slit 1255. The opening in the first slit1240 and the opening in the second slit 1255 may permit the seatbeltbuckles 905 to pass through the upholstery cover 1200. In many vehiclesthe seatbelt buckles 905 are in the bench portion of the vehicle seat.The curved section of the slits 1245, 1260 may be near or within thelower portion 1210 of the upholstery cover 1200 to accommodate theseatbelt buckles 905 in the bench portion of the vehicle seat. The firstslit 1240 and the second slit 1255 may each have a coupling mechanism.The coupling mechanism may extend a full length of a partial length ofthe first slit 1240 or the second slit 1255. The coupling mechanism maybe configured to be opened to allow the seat belt buckle 905 to passthrough the cover 1200. The coupling mechanisms may include any suitablecoupling mechanism, such as for example, buttons, snaps, magnets,clasps, eyelets, hooks, one-directional or bi-directional zippers, etc.In some embodiments, the coupling mechanisms 88 may include a hook andloop fastener, such as VELCRO™.

Referring now to FIG. 12C, in some embodiments, the curved portion 1245,1260 of the slits 1240, 1255 may be positioned closer to the upper edge1285, the transition 1270 between the upper portion 1205 and the lowerportion 1210, or the lower edge 1270 of the cover 1200. The curvedportion 1245 of the first slit 1240 and the curved portion 1260 of thesecond slit 1260 may be positioned completely in the lower portion 1210of the upholstery cover 1200. In other embodiments, the curvedtransitions 1245, 1260 may be higher or lower in the slits 1240, 1255.The curved slits 1240, 1255 may extend deep into the lower portion 1210or terminate near the transition 1270 between the upper portion 1205 andthe lower portion 1210 of the cover 1200. The degree of curvature in theslits 1240, 1255 may be adapted to accommodate different seat andseatbelt configurations. The slits 1240, 1255 may extend all the way tothe lower edge 1270 or the bottom edge 1280 of the folded front portion1215.

FIG. 13 shows the upholstery cover of FIG. 12A on a vehicle seat.According to this embodiment, the terminus 1250 of the first slit 1240and the terminus 1265 of the second slit 1255 may be below thetransition 1270 between the upper portion 1205 and the lower portion1210. In the embodiment shown the slits 1240, 1255 may be closed toprevent dirt and other items from passing through the upholstery cover1200 onto the vehicle seat. A first coupling mechanism and a secondcoupling mechanism may partially or fully close the first slit 1240 andthe second slit 1255.

FIG. 14 depicts one embodiment of the upholstery cover 1200 of FIG. 12Aon a vehicle seat with the backrest of the middle seat folded down ontothe bench. In this embodiment, the upholstery cover 1200 is on a benchseat in a vehicle and the first slit 1240 and the second slit 1255 areopen. The backrest portion of the middle seat is folded down onto thebench portion. The curved slits 1240, 1255 are open a sufficientdistance to permit the seatbelt buckles 905 to pass through the slits1240, 1255.

In some embodiments, a kit may include multiple sections that may becoupled together to form the upholstery cover 100, the upholstery cover700, the upholstery cover 800, or the upholstery cover 1200. In someembodiments, the multiple sections that may be coupled together to formthe upper portion 120 and/or the lower portion 125. The upper portion120 and/or the lower portion 125 may have different sizes or widths, anda user may couple any of the multiple sections together based on theparticular seat configuration and dimensions of the vehicle of the user.In some embodiments, both outer edges of one each of the multiplesections may include the coupling mechanism 170 to facilitate couplingof any of the multiple sections in any order to correspond to aparticular seat configuration and dimensions of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the upholstery cover 100 only comprises lowerportion 125 and upper portion 120, wherein the upholstery cover 100 isprovided without the folded front portion 130. Further, in someembodiments the upholstery cover 100 only comprises lower portion 125,wherein the upholstery cover 100 is provided without upper portion 120or folded front portion 130. Further still, in some embodiments theupholstery cover 100 comprises only lower portion 125 and folded frontportion 130, wherein the upholstery cover 100 is provided without upperportion 120. Thus, the upholstery cover 100 may be provided in a varietyof configurations and setups within the scope and teaching of thepresent invention.

In some embodiments, each section of the upholstery cover 100 may have adifferent width. In some embodiments, each section of the upholsterycover 100 may have the same width. In some embodiments, the firstsection 115 and the third section 105 may have a first width and thesecond section 110 may have a second width. In some embodiments, thesecond section 110 of the upholstery cover 100 may have a smaller widththan the first section 115 and the third section 105.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the various features andelements of the various embodiments of the present invention may bemodified and/or combined within the spirit of the present invention toprovide a seat cover. For example, the size, dimensions, shapes,proportions and materials of the present invention may be modified asdesired or necessary based on, for example, a vehicle configuration,shape, or dimensions. For example, quantity and/or placement of one ormore slits in the upper portion 120 and/or the lower portion 125 may bevaried. In some embodiments, a particular cover, such as, for example,the upholstery cover 100, the upholstery cover 700, the upholstery cover800, or the upholstery cover 1200, may be configured to fit variousvehicle interiors and seat configurations, as described in the presentdisclosure.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its structures, methods, or other essentialcharacteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter.Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of theinvention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather thanby the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaningand range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An upholstery cover for a vehicle, comprising: afirst lateral edge; a second lateral edge opposite the first lateraledge; an upper edge extending from the first lateral edge to the secondlateral edge; a lower edge opposite the upper edge extending from thefirst lateral edge to the second lateral edge; and a first slitcomprising a first length extending from the upper edge toward the loweredge, the first slit a first distance from the first lateral edge, afirst section between the first lateral edge and the first slit, whereinthe first slit further comprises a second length that diverges towardsthe first lateral edge or the second lateral edge, and wherein thesecond length comprises a closed terminus.
 2. The upholstery cover ofclaim 1, further comprising a second slit a second length from the firstlateral edge.
 3. The upholstery cover of claim 1, wherein the first slitcomprises a first fastener, the first fastener extending a full lengthor a partial length of the first slit.
 4. The upholstery cover of claim2, further comprising a second section between the first slit and thesecond slit and a third section between the second slit and the secondlateral edge.
 5. The upholstery cover of claim 4, wherein the furthercomprising a first fastener comprising a zipper, the zipper partiallydisconnecting the first section from the second section when the zipperis in an open position.
 6. The upholstery cover of claim 1, wherein aportion of the first slit in proximity to the closed terminus isconfigured to be selectively open or closed.
 7. The upholstery cover ofclaim 4, wherein the second slit is connected by a second fastener, thesecond fastener extending a full length or a partial length of thesecond slit.
 8. The upholstery cover of claim 7, wherein the secondfastener comprises a zipper, the zipper partially disconnecting thesecond section from the third section when the zipper is in an openposition.
 9. The upholstery cover of claim 1, further comprising anaperture through the upholstery cover.
 10. The upholstery cover of claim9, further comprising a removable cover for the aperture.
 11. Theupholstery cover of claim 9, wherein the aperture is adjacent to thefirst slit.
 12. The upholstery cover of claim 9, wherein the aperture isadjacent to a terminus of the first slit.
 13. The upholstery cover ofclaim 1, wherein the first slit comprises a bi-directional zipper,thereby allowing a bottom portion of the bi-directional zipper inproximity to the closed terminus to be selectively opened and closedindependently of a top portion of the bi-directional zipper.
 14. Theupholstery cover of claim 13, wherein the bottom portion of thebi-directional zipper is configured to allow a seatbelt buckle toprotrude through the upholstery cover without creating a substantial gapin the upholstery cover.
 15. The upholstery cover of claim 1, whereinthe first length slit transitions to the second length at a midpointbetween the upper edge and the lower edge.
 16. The upholstery cover ofclaim 1, wherein the first length slit transitions to the second lengthabove a midpoint between the upper edge and the lower edge.
 17. Theupholstery cover of claim 1, wherein the first slit length transitionsto the second length below a midpoint between the upper edge and thelower edge.
 18. The upholstery cover of claim 17, wherein the first slitcomprises a bi-directional zipper, thereby allowing a bottom portion ofthe bi-directional zipper in proximity to the closed terminus to beselectively opened and closed independently of a top portion of thebi-directional zipper.
 19. The upholstery cover of claim 18, wherein thebottom portion of the bi-directional zipper is configured to allow aseatbelt buckle to protrude through the upholstery cover withoutcreating a substantial gap in the upholstery cover.
 20. The upholsterycover of claim 2, wherein the wherein the second slit comprises a thirdlength extending from the upper edge toward the lower edge and a fourthlength that diverges towards the first lateral edge or the secondlateral edge, and wherein the fourth length comprises a closed terminus.